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HP reveals Chromebook 13 with Intel Skylake processors

Device aimed at desktop and mobile use

HP has unveiled a chromebook looking to add a dose of processing power to traditionally underpowered Chrome OS notebooks.

The HP Chromebook 13 is keenly priced at $499, around £324, but still manages to include Intel’s latest Skylake processors and an all-metal design that is not too removed from that of the MacBook Pro.

The entry-level Chromebook 13 comes with a sixth-gen Intel Core M CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 13in display with a 3200x1800 QHD+ resolution.

More expensive models feature faster Intel CPUs and up to 16GB of RAM, a significant amount for a Chromebook. But it appears that the European market will only get access to models with up to 8GB. Battery life is claimed at up to 11 hours, despite being charged by the small USB Type-C port.

The attractive brushed aluminium chassis is a mere 12.9mm thick and relatively light at 1.29kg. There are lighter laptops out there, but the Chromebook 13 is still very portable.

HP describes the Chomebook 13 as a mobile and desktop device, pointing out that the RAM on offer makes it more than just a laptop for travel use. The firm claims that it has the power to keep ticking along when running apps alongside the browser sessions that make up Chrome OS.

HP has added its own software on top of the usual features found in Chrome OS, one of which is Lucid Sleep. This allows the Chromebook to update documents, emails and notifications while in sleep mode to provide the latest information when powered back up.

The Chromebook 13 is expected to hit Europe this month, and it looks like HP has upped its game in the Chromebook and ultraportable markets.